HC Deb 01 May 1941 vol 371 cc574-5W
Mr. Lyons

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings, in what circumstances, and subject to what limitations, business premises are allowed facilities for immediate reconstruction after damage by enemy action; what is the position of private houses or other domestic premises so damaged; and whether, and why, any priority is given in relation to larger business premises as against the need of those whose homes have been affected?

Mr. Hicks

I am very glad to take this opportunity of making clear the conditions that now govern air-raid damage repairs. The Government has given an absolute priority over all other work to first-aid repair work for essential public services, war factories and houses. In the case of households where the owner is unable(or unwilling) to carry out the work himself, the responsibility rests on the local authorities. Where the owner himself puts the repair work in hand he will require a licence if the work is of the nature of reconstruction and costs £100 or more. The owners of shops, offices, banks, warehouses and other industrial and commercial buildings, including factories not engaged to an important degree on war production, must apply for a licence if the work of reconstruction is to cost more than £100. Applications are referred to the Board of Trade who recommend that licence be granted only if they consider that the work is urgently necessary in the public interest. Factories engaged on war production are dealt with by licence or otherwise in consultation with the appropriate Government Department. Until recently there had been no attempt to license reconstruction of air-raid damage repair in cases in which the cost was below £500. But a new Order has just been issued and I would emphasise that all such reconstruction costing £100 or over requires a licence or an authorisation, and it is intended to enforce this. My hon. and learned Friend will see, therefore, that no priority is given to larger business premises as against the needs of damaged homes.